Two PhD student positions in ‘non-invasive brain stimulation combined with optogenetics and functional MRI in animal and human brain circuits’

Two PhD student positions in ‘non-invasive brain stimulation combined with optogenetics and functional MRI in animal and human brain circuits’

The successful candidates will work with Prof. Rafael Polania and Dr. Valerio Zerbi on cutting-edge methods and procedures of neuromodulation and neuroimaging in both animals and humans to assess fundamental questions related to brain-behavior interactions. We will develop and apply novel non-invasive brain stimulation protocols (e.g. tACS, Temporal Interference) and optogenetic approaches combined with MRI techniques for the analysis of functional and structural connectivity of the mouse brain. Planned studies will utilize electrophysiology, fiber photometry, fluorescence-based calcium recordings, MR imaging, stereotactic brain surgeries, non-invasive brain stimulation, optogenetics and microscopy. We will test non-invasive brain stimulation protocols that have been optimized (in animals) in humans via concurrent application of non-invasive brain stimulation and fMRI during behavioral tasks. This will allow to test whether the brain circuit modulations observed in mice also occur in humans alongside related behavioral changes. If successful, this project will allow us to establish new technologies that selectively up- and down-regulate specific aspects of brain function and its related behavior in both species. Employment will begin in April 2019 and last three years.

PhD candidate #1 should have, or soon have, a good master’s degree in the fields of neurobiology, biophysics, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Candidates must be highly motivated to perform innovative large scale behavioral and neural imaging studies and be able to work with animal models (FELASA C or equivalent). The ideal candidate will have previous experience with non-invasive brain stimulation, optogenetics, and/or other deep-brain neurostimulation methods combined with electrophysiological/optical recordings, and a background in MR imaging. Expertise with animal behavioral experiments, image analysis and computational modelling is preferred.

PhD candidate #2 should have, or soon have, a good master’s degree with strong background in computational (neuro)sciences and modelling of behavior/cognition in a relevant discipline (e.g., computer science, physics, mathematics). The ideal candidate will have excellent skills in computer programming (e.g. extensive experience with R, Matlab, Python and/or C++ is a big plus) and the use of advanced software for behavioral and brain imaging data analysis (M/EEG, fMRI) is a plus.

Candidates should speak and write English proficiently, and above all, candidates should be enthusiastic about learning new techniques and contributing to new experiments.

We look forward to receiving your online application including a CV (incl. full publication list), a cover letter explaining why you are suited for and interested in the position (explain why you fit the profile of PhD candidate #1, PhD candidate #2 or both), a scan of academic Page 2/2 transcripts, a sample of written work (e.g., MA thesis), and the names/affiliations, contact details from at least two referees. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.